Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Best for Families
- Best for Wild Beauty
- Quieter Beaches
- Best Beach for a Pint
- Best All-Rounder
Stretching approximately 140 miles along the southern coast of England, from Camber in the east to Chichester Harbour in the west, Sussex boasts an array of stunning beaches.
Here, pebble and shingle bays blend seamlessly with sandy stretches, some of which have earned Blue Flag status for safety and water quality, including West Wittering and Hove.
Some of the Sun readers we spoke to mentioned that Camber Sands (shown here) is their favorite beach in all of Britain.Credit: Getty
Whether you're interested in walking along the spectacular cliffs at Beachy Head, building sandcastles at Camber Sands, trying your hand at surfing at West Wittering, or seeking a quieter coastal spot off the beaten track, there's a beach that will meet your needs.
Therefore, the most challenging question during your next £9.50 Holiday will be: which beach should you visit first?
We have consulted with Sun readers who have visited Sussex, as well as local experts, to determine the county's top beaches. Here’s what they shared...
Best for Families
Sun reader Nora Hinds, 69, from Hounslow, has enjoyed several £9.50 Holidays in Sussex over the years, with her most recent stay being at Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands in East Sussex.
She commented: “In my opinion, the beach at Camber Sands is the finest in England. It features lovely sand and magnificent dunes.
“When my children were small, they would slide down the dunes, or we would take leisurely walks in the dunes.”
Parents can also relax knowing there are excellent facilities and lifeguards available during the summer months.
With five miles of Blue Flag beach to explore, you're bound to find a spot all to yourself.
Nora added: “It’s not overly crowded, as it doesn’t have amusement arcades that usually draw in large crowds.”
Cuckmere Haven has served as a filming location in movies such as Harry Potter and Robin Hood.Credit: Getty
Best for Wild Beauty
Where the South Downs meet the sea, Cuckmere Haven in East Sussex features chalk cliffs, meadows, and a rocky foreshore.
It’s so picturesque that it has been used as a filming location in movies like Harry Potter and Robin Hood.
Visitors here are likely to encounter wildlife ranging from oystercatchers and skylarks to rabbits, seahorses, and butterflies.
Daniel Start, author of Wild Guide London and South England , states: “This is a wild beach where the river meets the sea, set against the backdrop of the iconic Seven Sisters.
“You can explore the numerous caves carved into the cliffs or wander upstream to swim in the lakes formed by the meanders of the ancient river.”
Quieter Beaches
Clare Johnson shares: “If you’re looking for a more secluded beach, Seal Bay (in Selsey, West Sussex) features its own private beach.
“It’s pebbled, but considerably less busy. You can walk to the far end and continue on to a more secluded beach.
“You can swim or sunbathe, and from there you can see Spinnaker Tower and Portsmouth. It’s a lovely spot to relax and enjoy the views.”
Sue Mercer, 62, from Pagham, says: “I enjoy walking from Church Norton to East Beach Selsey—the coastline here feels deserted, and there’s a nearby nature reserve (the RSPB Pagham Harbour).
“When you reach the coast at Selsey, you can also visit the lifeboat station.”
The Selsey Lifeboat Station is rich in history—its volunteer crews have been rescuing people at sea since 1861, and you can visit it six days a week (Wednesday-Monday) between 10:30 AM and 4 PM.
Sue added: “West Bognor is also a quieter beach compared to the Witterings.”
If you're vacationing in East Sussex and wish to find a beach to yourself, Georgie Radford-Brown, Assistant Guest Experience Manager at Camber Sands Holiday Park, recommends Rye Harbour.
She said: “It’s the quietest beach in the area. You have to walk through the Nature Reserve, and then keep going to reach the beach.
“Once you arrive at the beach, there aren’t many people there. You can swim in the sea or explore the World War Two pillboxes.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
